Podcast Summary
Journeying towards one's purpose in life or work: Keep moving forward, even when the path seems uncertain or challenging, and stay open to new experiences, learning from failures, and committed to the pursuit of your dreams.
Discovering one's purpose in life or work is a lifelong journey, not a singular epiphany moment. Jeff Goins, author of "The Art of Work," emphasizes that people on the path to living their purpose may not have arrived, but they have identified the right direction to journey in. For Goins, his purpose is to be a writer, which manifests in creating books, blog posts, and online courses for writers and creative entrepreneurs. The key is to keep moving forward, even when the path seems uncertain or challenging. It's important to remember that everyone's journey is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what one is meant to do. Instead, it's about staying open to new experiences, learning from failures, and remaining committed to the pursuit of one's dreams.
From unexpected paths to discovering purpose: Embrace the journey of discovering your purpose, don't rush it, and be open to new possibilities as clarity often comes with action.
Our journey towards discovering our purpose in life is often a surprising and lifelong process. The speaker shared how they didn't initially plan to become a writer but realized it was their true calling after working in marketing for an international nonprofit. They emphasized that it's important not to get too fixated on figuring out your purpose right away and instead focus on the journey and the skills you gain along the way. The speaker also shared their experience of transitioning from a career as a professional athlete to a marketing director and eventually a writer, highlighting that clarity often comes with action and that it's essential to remain open to new possibilities. Ultimately, the journey towards discovering our purpose is not always a linear one, but rather a winding road filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Unexpected events reveal our life's purpose: Life's purpose can emerge from challenges, leading to a calling and fulfillment beyond ourselves.
Our purpose in life often emerges from unexpected events or challenges, rather than when everything goes according to plan. These moments can lead us to discover our calling or life's work, which is not just about us but also about making a difference in the world. It's important to remember that achieving our goals or dreams doesn't necessarily mean the end of our journey, and we may need to continue dreaming bigger to find greater fulfillment. The idea of a calling can provide a sense of otherness and inspiration, helping us to see that our work has a larger impact beyond ourselves. Ultimately, the terms "purpose," "calling," and "life's work" can be used interchangeably, and it's essential to keep an open mind and continue growing and evolving throughout our lives.
Focusing on the present and living life to the fullest: Instead of dwelling on the past or what could have been, focus on making the most of the present and finding joy in life.
We should focus on living life to the fullest in the present, rather than dwelling on the past or what could have been. The story of Garrett Rush Miller and his father, Eric, serves as a powerful reminder of this. When Garrett was diagnosed with a brain tumor at five years old and given a five-year prognosis, his parents were forced to reevaluate their priorities. Instead of mourning the life they thought Garrett might have had, they chose to live life to the fullest with him. They made radical changes, including participating in triathlons together, and Garrett went on to defy the odds and recover much of his sight and mobility. Neither Garrett nor his father ever dwelled on what life would have been like if the diagnosis had never come. Instead, they focused on making the most of the time they had and finding joy in the present.
Focus on what you have and make the most of it: Identify your passions and talents, focus on the present, and use your gifts to make a positive impact.
The key to discovering your calling or making the most of your life isn't about dwelling on what you don't have or what could have been. Instead, it's about focusing on what you do have and making the most of it. This idea was inspired by Garrett Rush Miller and his father, Eric, who taught that the extraordinary things in life aren't necessarily the opportunities we're given, but what we do with them. Even those who face significant challenges, like a lack of arms or legs, can find joy and fulfillment in their lives. The first step to discovering your calling is to listen to your life and identify the things you've always loved and been good at. Don't get stuck on past failures or missed opportunities, but focus on the present and how you can use your gifts and abilities to make a positive impact.
Following your passion authentically: Find joy in what you love, what you're good at, and what the world needs, while staying true to yourself.
Identifying and pursuing your passion is key to living a fulfilling life, but it's important to do it authentically. The thread of your experiences can help guide you towards what you're meant to do next. When you can combine what you love with what you're good at and find a demand for it, you'll be in a sweet spot for a meaningful career. However, it's essential not to fake your way to success or become someone you're not, as eventually, the truth will come out. The story of Michael J. Fox's character in "The Secret of My Success" illustrates the danger of trying to shortcut authenticity and the importance of staying true to oneself. Ultimately, your deepest joy and the world's deepest need intersecting is your vocation.
Obstacles as Opportunities for Growth: Embrace challenges and fear, use them as fuel for growth and success, and remember that every experience is preparation for what's to come.
Our obstacles and difficulties in life can actually be our greatest opportunities for growth and success. Instead of viewing them as weaknesses, we should embrace them and try to do something extraordinary with the hand we've been dealt. Fear is a natural part of the process, but it's important not to let it hold us back. Many successful people didn't wait to feel fearless before taking action, they acted despite feeling afraid. The fear of living a meaningless or unfulfilling life should outweigh the fear of failure. As Jody Nolan, who found her calling later in life, said, "nothing in your life is wasted, it's all preparation for what's to come." And when you're ready to move forward, don't let the fear of not trying hold you back.
Embracing Fear for Personal Growth: Embrace fear and uncertainty to discover passions and experiences, find clarity through intentional action, and make an impact on others.
Fear of the unknown and unwillingness to try new things can hinder personal growth and happiness. Instead, embracing fear and uncertainty can lead to discovering one's calling and living a meaningful life. The author found this insight through interviewing people whose stories resonated with readers and challenged his own beliefs. He learned that a calling is not just one thing but a combination of passions and experiences. Clarity comes through intentional action, and discomfort and pain are necessary parts of growth. The most fulfilling lives come from pushing beyond comfort zones and making an impact on others.
From bodybuilding to acting to governorship, Arnold Schwarzenegger's career shows the importance of intentional transitions.: Intentional career transitions involve staying committed to learning and growing in each new endeavor, finding meaningful work at the intersection of competency and challenge.
Our call is not limited to one thing in life. Instead, it can evolve and transform as we grow and learn new skills. Arnold Schwarzenegger's career transition from bodybuilding to acting to governorship is a great example of this. However, it's essential to approach these transitions intentionally and with commitment to learn and grow in each new endeavor. As Igor Perisic and Mihai Csikszentmihalyi emphasized, finding meaningful work lies in the intersection of competency and challenge. By staying committed to the intentional pursuit of our callings, we can continue to learn, grow, and find new sources of fulfillment throughout our lives.
Embrace the accidental apprenticeship: Unexpected sources like mentors and experiences can significantly contribute to meaningful work and personal growth
Meaningful work and personal growth often require dedication and the support of others, even when the journey is challenging. This idea of accidental apprenticeship means recognizing that learning and growth can come from unexpected sources, such as mentors we may not even realize are influencing us. It's not about finding the perfect mentor, but rather acknowledging and engaging with the people around us who can help us grow. Even when we feel like we're doing it all on our own, there are likely individuals who have contributed to our success in ways we may not even realize. For example, Steve Jobs, who dropped out of college and started auditing classes, found inspiration in a calligraphy class that later influenced the typography of the first Mac. Similarly, Ginny Pong, who became a doula despite facing rejection from her family and community, credits various individuals for helping her along the way. So, embrace the accidental apprenticeship and be open to learning from the people and experiences that come your way.
Learning from unexpected encounters and experiences: Intentionally seeking out diverse individuals and experiences can lead to valuable insights and personal growth. Embracing adversity and learning from it can lead to unexpected advantages and opportunities.
Intentional learning from various relationships and experiences, even those seemingly insignificant or unexpected, can significantly contribute to personal growth and future success. Steve Jobs is a prime example of this, as he deliberately absorbed lessons from every encounter during his formative years. The idea of having a dedicated mentor may not be practical or effective for everyone. Instead, actively seeking out and engaging with diverse individuals and their experiences can lead to valuable insights. One surprising mentor for the speaker was Seth Barnes, who challenged their expectations and introduced them to new ideas. Although initially perceived as an obstacle to their dreams, Barnes proved to be an invaluable teacher, inspiring them to learn about marketing and entrepreneurship. This experience laid the groundwork for their future business endeavors. Additionally, facing rejection early in their writing career seemed devastating at the time, but ultimately served as a catalyst for growth and determination. Embracing adversity and learning from it can lead to unexpected advantages and opportunities.
Breaking Free from Gatekeepers: Rejections and failures can inspire us to build our own platforms and reach a wide audience. Life has meaning and purpose, the world always needs art and beauty, and we are all broken but can find beauty in our shared vulnerabilities.
The power to share one's words and ideas with the world no longer requires the approval of traditional gatekeepers like magazines or publishers. A rejection or failure in the past can serve as motivation to build one's own platform, such as a blog, and reach a wide audience. Three truths about life that the speaker believes in are: life has meaning and purpose, the world always needs art and beauty, and we are all broken but can find beauty in our shared vulnerabilities and experiences. The speaker is most grateful for the ability to express himself and connect with others through his writing.
The power of community in achieving success and discovering purpose: Success is a story of community. Grateful for friends of friends sharing message, reaching new people. Look for intersection of passion, world's need, and skill to discover purpose. Take action and do something.
Community plays a crucial role in achieving success and discovering one's purpose. The speaker, who recently launched his fourth book, shared his experience of having a large team and supportive community help spread the message of his book. He emphasized that every success story is a story of community and that he was grateful for the friends of friends who shared the message, reaching people he had never interacted with before. The speaker also highlighted that when he started his writing journey, his goal was to reach people he couldn't otherwise, and he's grateful that he's been able to do so through the power of community. He encourages taking the next step towards discovering one's purpose by looking at the intersection of passion, world's need, and skill, and doing something about it. The common denominator among successful people is that they took action and did something.
Embracing ignorance and taking action: Ignoring ignorance can hinder personal growth and discovery of one's true calling. Taking risks and learning from mistakes leads to valuable experiences and skills.
Embracing ignorance and taking action, even if it means failing, can lead to valuable experiences and skills that contribute to discovering one's true calling in life. Jeff Goins, a successful writer and speaker, shared how his childhood ignorance served him well by allowing him to take risks and learn from his mistakes. He also emphasized the importance of finding purpose and leaving a positive impact on others as a definition of greatness. Greatness is not just about personal achievements, but also about making a difference in the lives of others. Jeff's commitment to following his calling and creating meaningful work through his writing is an inspiration for us all.
Lewis looks forward to audience engagement and future podcast announcements: Lewis encourages listeners to share their podcast listening locations and tag him on social media. He's excited about upcoming podcast announcements and continues to produce five-minute Friday episodes.
The host, Lewis, is excited about the future of his podcast, Team Greatness, and encourages listeners to engage with him on social media by sharing a photo of where they're listening and tagging him. He appreciates the positive feedback on his recent five-minute Friday episodes and plans to continue producing them. Additionally, Lewis mentioned there are big announcements coming soon. Overall, Lewis' enthusiasm for the podcast and engagement with his audience is clear, and he invites listeners to join him on this journey of doing something great.
